The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association (TCA) recognized nearly 30 youth members for their success in the first year of the Tennessee's Top Tier point circuit. The winners were recognized at the Alltech/Kubota Youth Awards Banquet during the 34th Annual Tennessee Cattlemen's Convention and Trade Show in Murfreesboro on Jan. 25.
The Tennessee's Top Tier program was created by TCA to increase youth involvement at cattle shows across the state and to create more opportunities for agriculture youth to be recognized. The program has been widely successful in its first year.
"We started the Tennessee's Top Tier program with merely the intention to encourage involvement at cattle shows across the state and reward youth in the cattle industry," said Melinda Perkins, TCA Director of Youth Programs and Outreach. "The response we have received from the exhibitors and others has been phenomenal."
Participants can receive points in three areas which includes a heifer, steer, and showmanship division. To receive points, exhibitors must be youth members of the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association.
"I believe the Tennessee Top Tier program has had a positive impact on the involvement of youth exhibiting cattle," said Samantha Roberts, Top Tier winner. "I have witnessed a great amount of youth participation this past year compared to other years."
A Rutherford County student was one of the top five Junior High Showmen. Maggie Lamon went home with the honors of 4th place.
The Top Tier program was a great addition to the Tennessee Cattlemen's youth program. It attracted more people to the shows and really increased the competition," said Morgan Riley, Top Tier winner. "It was also nice to be rewarded for all the hard work we put in throughout the whole year. It showed that hard work truly does pay off."
MORE WINNERS FROM RUTHERFORD COUNTY:
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association (TCA) presented their new Outstanding Youth Award to two individuals for their performance and commitment to the beef cattle industry. These awards were presented at the Alltech/Kubota Youth Awards Banquet during the 34th Annual Tennessee Cattlemen's Convention and Trade Show in Murfreesboro on Jan. 25.
This award was created to recognize youth members who demonstrate outstanding leadership in cattle related activities such as showing, production, leadership roles in cattle organizations, 4-H/FFA, and involvement in their community. Winners must be members of the Tennessee Cattlemen's Youth Association.
"The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is another way for us to recognize youth who are excelling in the beef cattle industry," said Luke Teeple, TCA Board of Director. "These individuals work hard to manage their own cattle herds, are active in 4-H and FFA, and serve in their community. They deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary efforts."
Haylee Ferguson from Rutherford County, Tennessee won the junior division award, ages 12-16. The senior award winner, ages 17-21, was Heath Quick from Shelby County, Tennessee.
The junior division winner received a $100 cash award and trophy belt buckle. The senior division winner received a $1,000 educational scholarship and trophy belt buckle.
"With so many talented youth in our state, I was honored to be chosen by TCA as the senior division Outstanding Youth Award winner," said Heath Quick, senior division winner. "I am grateful for the great people in this industry who have encouraged and pushed me to grow my herd and get more involved."
A unique aspect for this award is that applicants must be nominated by a TCA member, county Association leadership, county Extension Agents, and/or Agricutlure Educators/FFA Advisors. Ferguson was nominated by Eagleville High School Agriculture Teacher, Bruce Haley. Quick was nominated by Shelby County Extension Agent, Michael Owen.
"I would like to thank the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and the sponsors of the Outstanding Youth Award. The TCA convention is an excellent way to recognize young agriculturists across the state who contribute to Tennessee's beef industry," said Haylee Ferguson, junior division winner. "I am also very grateful that my FFA advisor, Mr. Bruce Haley, nominated me. Receiving the 2018 TCA Outstanding Youth Award has motivated me to continue to manage my herd at the best of my ability and share information with consumers about beef nutrition."
Nomination applications will be made available again in the fall of 2019.
TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 7,000 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.